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Live Theater Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Background in live theater and/or concert production and experience in a multi-use venue preferred. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with artists and producers, and as part of a team ...

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Live Theater information

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How much do live theater jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for live theater in the United States is $24.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are live theater jobs?

Live theater jobs encompass a wide range of roles involved in the production and presentation of stage performances. These roles include actors, directors, stage managers, set and costume designers, lighting and sound technicians, and front-of-house staff. Each position plays a crucial part in bringing a theatrical production to life, from the creative process to the technical execution and audience experience. Many theaters also hire administrative and marketing professionals to help promote shows and manage operations. Live theater offers opportunities for both creative and technical professionals to collaborate and contribute to the performing arts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in live theater?

To succeed in live theater, you need strong performance or technical abilities, a relevant educational background (such as a degree in theater or performing arts), and practical stage experience. Familiarity with lighting and sound equipment, stage management software, or set design tools is often required, depending on your specific role. Collaboration, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for working harmoniously with cast and crew. These competencies ensure seamless productions, high-quality performances, and the ability to handle the dynamic challenges of live shows.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in live theater productions?

Professionals in live theater often face challenges such as tight rehearsal schedules, last-minute script or technical changes, and the need to adapt quickly during live performances. Collaboration across departments—such as stage management, lighting, sound, and costume—is crucial to ensure a seamless show. Additionally, working evenings and weekends is typical, as performances usually take place outside standard business hours. The environment is fast-paced and requires strong communication skills and flexibility to respond to unexpected issues during live events.

What is the difference between Live Theater vs Stage Manager?

AspectLive TheaterStage Manager
Primary RolePerforming arts production involving actors and live audienceOverseeing production logistics, coordinating backstage activities
Work EnvironmentTheater stage, backstage, rehearsal spacesTheater, backstage, production offices
Required SkillsActing, voice projection, stage presenceOrganization, communication, problem-solving
Industry UsagePerformers in theater productionsProduction team member in theater

Live Theater involves actors performing on stage for audiences, focusing on acting and stage presence. A Stage Manager coordinates the production, managing logistics and backstage activities. While both roles are essential in theater, Live Theater emphasizes performance, whereas Stage Managers focus on production management and organization.

What cities are hiring for Live Theater jobs?

Cities with the most Live Theater job openings:

What states have the most Live Theater jobs?

States with the most job openings for Live Theater jobs include:

Infographic showing various Live Theater job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,266 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Variable Theater Technician

Lakewood

Lakewood, CO

$20.60 - $22.60/hr

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

The City of Lakewood is dedicated to upholding City values to include: Performance Excellence, Leadership, Respect and Collaboration. Best fit candidates will demonstrate innovation, customer service, dedication, passion and engagement. All people, citizens and employees, will be treated with respect, relevance, and importance.

HIRING RANGE: $20.60 - $22.60/hour

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Theater Technical Director or Theater Assistant Technical Director, the Variable Theater Technician supports theater productions and operations located at the Lakewood Cultural Center and Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park Amphitheater through the maintenance and safe use of lighting equipment, sound systems, stages, dance floor, stage rigging equipment and other materials related to the theater. Additional duties assigned may include set-up of space and/or equipment in HCA facilities and support of satellite programs at other non-cultural, City of Lakewood facilities.


The City of Lakewood is currently recruiting variable employees for this position. A variable employee is an at-will employee who works in a seasonal or temporary capacity. Their work schedule is based on business need. This position is a part-time, non-benefitted position.

Major Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities

Prepares production elements for performances; operates sound and light boards and video/streaming equipment as assigned; provides lighting design and/or sound engineering expertise as needed for a variety of performances and events at the LCC and HLBP amphitheater.

Assists the Theater Technical Director and Assistant Technical Director with rental clients to complete successful production of rental events taking place at the LCC or HLBP amphitheater.

Supports maintenance and the safe use of theater equipment at the LCC theater and HLBP amphitheater which includes lighting equipment, sound systems, stages, dance floor, rigging and other related theater equipment/materials.

Supports routine theater maintenance schedule as needed when theater is not in production.

Completes and submits all paperwork associated with events in a timely manner.

Maintains skills and up-to-date knowledge of theater equipment and operations.

Supports load-in, set-up and load-out of events and securely opens/closes facilities as needed.

Supports programming and projects at all other HCA facilities as requested.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Receives direct supervision from the Theater Technical Director or Theater Assistant Technical Director.

Supervision Exercised:

None.

Essential Qualifications

Education:

High school diploma. College degree with theater production emphasis is preferred.

Experience:

Demonstrated relevant experience in live theater production, including lighting, sound, concert set-up and stage management.

Background in live theater and/or concert production and experience in a multi-use venue preferred.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with artists and producers, and as part of a team

Licensure/Certification/Registration:

CPR/AED; training can be provided upon employment.

KSA's and Physical/Mental Requirements

Knowledge of technical theater production including lighting, sound, stage carpentry, rigging and stage management.

Demonstrated ability to make sound and safe decisions regarding work with electrical circuits and load limits.

Ability to work with minimal supervision and exercise independent judgment.

Creativity in solving theater-related technical challenges.

Ability to assist in the monitoring of the work of artists and producers.

Technological Skills

Strong knowledge of PC and Mac computers and software applications including Microsoft Office Suite, and computerized lighting and sound systems.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Lifting and Carrying

Must be able to regularly lift and/or move equipment such as light and sound equipment up to 100 pounds using appropriate tools and assists.

Pushing and Pulling

Must be able to push/pull items such as scenery and set pieces, dance flooring, lighting and musical instruments, chair and stand racks, and other equipment based on above weight specifications.

Body Positions

Work is primarily performed inside the theater and occasionally outdoors. Work includes frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching and crouching. Office work may be done in a seated position, with some moving about and standing required. Work requires use of hands and fingers to hold, handle, feel and to operate small controls.

Hearing

Must be able to hear to operate and mix at the sound board, and to hear and respond to telephone, intercom headset, backstage monitors and emergency siren.

Vision

Uses vision to read handwriting, digital documents and to enter data into a computer. Must be regularly able to use and see monitor screens of various sizes and types. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Mathematics

Must have accurate addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills. Must be able to calculate proportions and percentages and apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Remembering

Must remember City of Lakewood policies and procedures; federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to the venue; event/production specifications; and operating procedures for a variety of equipment and tools.

Language Ability

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general technical and production procedures and requests. Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from tenants, artistic personnel, artist management and co-workers.

Reasoning

Must have ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. Must have ability to apply good judgement in making decisions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the Technician is frequently exposed to electrical equipment and power sources. Occasionally, the Technician is exposed to moving mechanical parts, high, precarious places, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is often moderate and sometimes loud. In outdoor settings the Technician may be exposed to uneven surfaces and to cold, wind, heat and inclement weather. Regular evening and weekend work with extended hours is required; work on holidays may be required.

EQUIPMENT USED

Personal Computers (Mac and PC) and Tablet Devices

Production/Presentation Software (QLab, PowerPoint, etc.) and playback systems

Theater Sound/Communication Systems (ClearComm)

Allen and Heath Digital Audio Consoles (Avantis and SQ series consoles)

Theatrical lighting systems including incandescent and LED fixtures

ETC EOS family lighting console and control network hardware and software

Blackmagic Video Switchers and Panasonic Recording Cameras

Small Hand/Power Tools

Pay Range

$15.16-$57.58

Background and reference checks will be conducted for all regular and some variable/seasonal positions.